Cayman Islands sailing guide

Last updated: 30 January 2026

At a glance

The Cayman Islands consist of three islands in the western Caribbean, with cruising activity focused mainly on Grand Cayman. Cayman Brac and Little Cayman offer a more laid-back and remote experience for visiting sailors.

Attractions

Stingray City on Grand Cayman is a well-known site where crews can anchor and take their dinghy to the shallow sandbar to see the resident stingrays. George Town, the capital, is another focal point, offering the famous Seven Mile Beach, alongside shopping and dining, and access to fuel, provisioning, and resupply for onward cruising.

Places to stay

Below are the most popular and highly rated places to stay, based on feedback from the noforeignland community:

Anchorages

	Governor's Harbour	4.8 ★	Review summary: Governor's Harbour provides excellent wind protection, offering a calm and quiet anchorage. Easy shore access is available at the marina. Visitors have anchored with drafts up to 5.5’, benefiting from a stable mud bottom at 10-12’ depth.
	Stingray City	4.3 ★	Review summary: Approaching the anchorage is straightforward with consistent depths reported over 2.8 meters. The anchorage can be rolly, particularly for mono-hulls, despite wind speeds staying below 15 knots. Visitors can enjoy clear water, snorkeling opportunities, and stingrays sightings even without going to the designated area.

Moorings

	George Town (Free Moorings)	4.0 ★	Review summary: Mooring balls in George Town provide convenience for obtaining one. Visitors appreciate access to Kirk market and experienced supportive port security. Immigration provides waypoint information when clearing into the Cayman Islands, aiding in navigation. Visitors enjoy the beautiful snorkeling opportunities near the mooring.
	Scott's Bay	2.5 ★	Review summary: Staying on mooring buoys in Scott's Bay can offer convenience with free check-in during business hours. However, moorings have been reported to fail in strong winds, presenting a safety risk. Mariners should exercise caution and remain vigilant when mooring here.

Harbours

Cayman Check-In North Dock

4.3 ★

Review summary: Moored vessels benefit from the port's efficient fuel and water service, with fuel trucks available directly at the dock. Visitors appreciate the helpful and friendly staff experienced during clearance and mooring processes. Heads up: the north terminal's sign is partially obstructed.

Boatyards and services

Below are the most popular and highly rated boat services, based on feedback from the noforeignland community:

Chandlers

No image	Parkers	5.0 ★	Review summary: Parkers chandler offers a wide selection of stock for maritime needs. This is the primary service capability mentioned, with no additional details provided in the Reviews.
No image	Scotts Marine	5.0 ★	Review summary: Services at Scotts Marine include contacting distributors and handling logistical arrangements for deliveries. The chandler operated by Carla ensures efficient shipment, with goods arriving as 'yacht in transit.' The overall service workflow highlights proactive customer interaction.
No image	Harbor House Marine	5.0 ★	Review summary: As a well-stocked marine store, Harbor House Marine offers a variety of essential supplies including paint, plumbing, electrical, and electronics. This makes it a convenient stop for sailors in need of comprehensive provisioning while cruising the area.

Yacht clearance

This table summarizes first-hand reviews from sailors who have checked in to Cayman Islands.

You can help keep this up to date by reviewing Port of Entry and Yacht Clearance Agent markers.

Ports of entry offices

George Town Customs & Immigration	5.0 ★	Review summary: Checking in and out with Customs & Immigration in George Town is straightforward, with procedures often completed efficiently in under 10 minutes. Visitors can contact authorities via VHF upon approach to be directed to moorings or docks for processing, without any charge during regular hours. Place marker mentions: check in steps, required documents, fees or payments and opening hours.
George Town Port Authority	5.0 ★	Review summary: Checking in at George Town Port Authority is a smooth experience with friendly and professional staff. Visitors should hail Port Security on approach to coordinate entry. Procedures include boat and crew verification and involve using free government buoys as part of the clearance process. Place marker mentions: opening hours and fees or payments.
Scott's Bay Customs & Immigration	5.0 ★	Review summary: Check-in at Scott's Bay Customs & Immigration involves clear communication and a straightforward process. Visitors are to announce arrival on Channel 16 and await further instructions. Friendliness and professionalism define the interactions, ensuring a welcoming experience. Place marker mentions: check in steps, required documents, fees or payments and opening hours.

Useful yacht clearance links

Government of Cayman Islands: Find out if you need a visa to visit: https://gov.ky/en/web/cbc/travel/visas-extensions/visitors-visas/list-of-countries-visa-required

Notes for mariners

Clearing in is free of charge during regular hours, and officials are reported to be friendly. A zarpe from the previous port is required.

The off-season

During the off-season, most cruisers leave the Cayman Islands due to increased hurricane risks.

Facts for visitors

Best times of year to sail here: December to April
Most common type of shore power: 120V 60Hz
Cost for provisioning: High
Currency: Cayman Islands Dollar (KYD)
Personal security: Considered safe with low crime rates
Emergency phone numbers:
- Police: 911
- Ambulance: 911
- Fire: 911
International dialing code: +1-345
Time zone(s): UTC -5 (no daylight saving time observed)

Maritime history

The maritime history of the Cayman Islands is marked by its initial discovery by Christopher Columbus in 1503 during his fourth voyage to the New World. The islands were named 'Las Tortugas' due to the abundance of sea turtles, a name later changed to reflect the presence of cayman, or alligators. Though initially uninhabited, the islands became frequented by English settlers, pirates, and traders.

By the 18th century, the Caymans were situated at the edge of important trade routes in the Caribbean. They served as a strategic location for pirates and privateers, who used the islands as a hideout and base for their operations. This period saw considerable naval activity, as European powers vied for dominance in the Caribbean, contributing to the islands’ rich maritime folklore and tales of hidden treasures.

In modern times, the Cayman Islands have evolved into a significant international financial hub, but they also maintain a strong connection to the sea. The annual 'Taste of Cayman' and Cayfest celebrate the islands' maritime heritage, often attracting visitors to explore the historical significance of built landmarks and natural maritime features. Diving enthusiasts are particularly drawn to the shipwrecks and coral reefs, which form crucial parts of the islands' diverse marine ecosystem.